Firstly, I would like to start by introducing myself. My name is Adam Kent and I am 25 years old. I have a condition called Duchenne Muscular dystrophy. Duchenne muscular dystrophy is a genetic condition that causes progressive muscle degeneration and weakness due to the body being unable to produce a protein called dystrophin that helps keep the muscle cells intact which results in the muscles no longer working. This condition effects every aspect of my life as I have to rely on someone else to do everything for me, from washing and dressing me, getting me into my wheelchair to feeding me food and drinks, if I didn’t have those people to rely on then unfortunately, I wouldn’t be able to even live my life, I'm 100% reliant.

Unfortunately, this condition is life limiting which is very hard knowing but this doesn’t stop me from wanting to live my life to the fullest possible, my moto in life is ‘I’m not living my life to survive, I'm living my life to live. It is not about the quantity of years I have it's about the quality of how I chose to live.’ this being said due to my condition I don’t have a lot of independence which has a massive impact on my mental health, I hate having to depend on my carers, parents and family. Having to depend on people sometimes makes me feel like a burden and seeing people my age being able to do the simplest of tasks does get to me from time to time and a lot of people take that for granted.

While browsing on my laptop one day which is the only thing I can do independently, I came across an assistive device called Jaco robotic arm. This particular device would have an extraordinary impact and it would change my life and change my lack of independence and would mean I can do tasks such as making my own drink and being able to lift and hold it to my mouth, being able to feed myself or even to brush my own teeth etc. The thought of even being able to do any of these tasks sends shivers down my spine. I’m a massive Liverpool FC fan and when I go to the games a dream of mine is to be able to sit and experience holding my scarf above my head and up in the air while listening and singing to, you'll never walk alone. This song has played a big part in my life, and the Jaco Robotic arm would allow me to no longer dream of that moment, I'd be able to live it for real. Again, another passion of mine is photography. But unfortunately, I have never been able to fulfil that passion as I can't hold a camera, I would love to be able to make it a regular hobby to be able to capture special moments and memories for myself and family which again this device would allow.

As expected, these types of devices do not come cheap nor is there anything out there to help fund this type of independence as it comes at a cost of £50,000.00, which would mean I have to self-fund and As I have never done something like this previously, I didn’t know where to start. Due to the big difference to life this device would do, I have felt the need to share my story and try to find a way of funding this life changing device, to be able to gain that independence every human being deserves.

Anymore money raised will go to purchasing this specialised equipment, and anything remaining will also help towards purchasing equipment for myself, my brother who also has Duchenne Muscular dystrophy and others that may be in the same situation as myself.

Kind Regards

Adam Kent

https://www.rahanalife.co.uk/jaco-robotic-arm

Link to Granada Reports piece!

#myLFCarm #AdamKent